Diabetes prevention

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Having diabetes or pre-diabetes puts you at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. You can lower your risk by keeping your blood glucose (also called blood sugar), blood pressure, and blood cholesterol close to the recommended target numbers—the levels suggested by diabetes experts for good health. Reaching your targets also can help prevent narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels in your legs, a condition called peripheral arterial disease. You can reach your targets by :

• choosing foods wisely

• being physically active

• taking medications if needed

You can prevent or delay the development of complications from type 2 diabetes by keeping your blood sugar levels within a normal or near-normal range. Scientific evidence shows that tightly controlling blood sugar levels:

• Prevents the development and progression of small blood vessel disease and nerve disease (neuropathy).

• Slightly reduces your risk for heart and large blood vessel disease from diabetes.

If you are age 30 or older, talk to your health professional about taking a low-dose, or baby, aspirin daily to help prevent heart attack, stroke, or other large blood vessel disease . People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely than people who don't have diabetes to die from heart and blood vessel diseases.

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Diabetes prevention and early detection

Following the right steps for diabetes prevention and detect complications early:

• Don't smoke. If you quit smoking, you will reduce your risk for developing early damage to the blood vessels caused by diabetes.  

• Inspect your feet daily, wear properly fitted shoes, do not go barefoot or use home remedies, and have yearly foot examinations. If you have poor vision, have someone else examine your feet daily and help you with foot and toenail care. Keep pathways in your home clear of objects that could cause a fall.

• Report blurred vision, floaters, or flashes of light to your doctor immediately, and have yearly eye exams by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Home diabetes treatment

You can live a full life even with complications from type 2 diabetes. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, taking oral diabetes medication, and possibly taking insulin to keep your blood sugar levels within a normal or near-normal range will help you feel better and have control of your life.

Early treatment of complications diabetes can help save your vision, slow the rate of kidney failure, and reduce the risk of amputation.